A majority of voters say this election matters more than the elections before it.

According to a new Gallup Poll taken before Election Day, 70% said the outcome of the 2012 presidential election matters to them more than previous elections.

This is similar to how voters felt in 2008 and 2004. However, the concern is up sharply from the two presidential elections before that, 2000 and 1996.

The poll also shows Republicans more concerned about the outcome than Democrats, which is not surprising with a Democratic president who was running for re-election.

All you have to do is take a quick look at the state of the union to see why voters may have found this election so crucial.

In 1996 and 2000, the economy was much stronger. There were no major wars or other international issues to worry about.

Concern went up sharply in 2004 - after the 9/11 attacks - and then again in 2008, with the Iraq war still going on and the country suffering through the worst recession since the Great Depression.

This time, it's hard to pinpoint all the worries facing voters. Of course, the economy and high unemployment were at the top of the list for many.

There's also Obamacare, the staggering annual $1 trillion deficits and the more than $16 trillion national debt, the looming fiscal cliff and what to do about tax increases and/or cuts in government spending.

As for international hot spots, take your pick: Libya, the showdown between Iran and Israel, and Syria.

Here’s my question to you: Why would voters say this election matters more than most?

Tune in to the Situation Room at 5pm to see if Jack reads your answer on air.

And, we love to know where you’re writing from, so please include your city and state with your comment.

soundoff(206 Responses)

Steve, Clifton, Virginia

America is sending a strong message that it wants a divided Government comprised of Republicans and Democrats and they them to compromise and get the job done on the people's business. A second message is directed at senior white males that the Country is more diversified today and every body will be players in our political system

November 8, 2012 at 1:17 pm |

Rick McDaniel

Because the majority in the country say we are going in the wrong direction.

Yet, voters elected to do a "politically correct" move, to keep the first black President in office, to try and keep him from failing. That may be a futile effort.

In the meantime, the economy continues to degenerate, and we move ever closer towards insolvency, as a country. That is going to be a big price, for being "politically correct".

Sometimes, people simply have to learn, the hard way.

November 8, 2012 at 1:18 pm |

KB and JB - central Florida

He won. the country lost. big time. downhill all the way.

November 8, 2012 at 1:22 pm |

Pete in Georgia

If it mattered so much then why did Obama get 8 million fewer votes than in 2008 and Romney 2 million fewer than McCain rec'd. ??
Real interest out there in America, the land of feel good and entertainment 24/7.

November 8, 2012 at 1:30 pm |

John from Alabama

Jack: This election meant more because there were clear differences between Obama/Biden and Romney/Ryan. Romney/Ryan wanted to make the rich, richer, and they still can not get out of America's bedroom. Romney/Ryan were fact checked out of every issue. Obama/Biden was a choice for the middle class, women's right to choose birth control or not, and the Bush tax cuts for the rich are over. Romney/Ryan did not get the Latino vote, and they did research the 2010 census report. People saw how voter suppression in Florida does not work, and those pictures will stick in the minds of Americans. We will wait until hell freezes over to vote.

November 8, 2012 at 1:33 pm |

Paul, Parry Sound, Ontario

Because the Republican Party just found out it's irrelevant.

November 8, 2012 at 1:43 pm |

maoriora

Not everyone is super-rich. Most people need, or will need Social Security and Medicare in their lives. Most people don't want to attack Iran, or any other country. Most people understand it was Wall Street that destroyed our economy and want it sent the repair bill, not the poor and middle-class. Most people want women treated fairly. It matters more than most because it effects most people.

November 8, 2012 at 1:45 pm |

annie, atlanta

The war on women, including redefining rape. Bringing back the same failed GOP policies that sunk our economy. Why do us still believe trickle down is the magic fairy dust to create jobs. If that were the case, where are the freaking jobs? The toxic hateful brew spewed from rightwing radiio and tv that pits us against each other. Taking from granny to give to billionaires. I could go on and on. We didn't all wake up to reject such nonsense, but enough of us did.

November 8, 2012 at 1:47 pm |

calaurore9

The country has passed the tipping point. Both parties need to grapple with how to balance an aging and diverse population's needs without going completely broke. Civility needs to replace sniping, or the Mayans may have been on to something.

Carol in Northampton, Ma

November 8, 2012 at 1:49 pm |

Ed from Texas

Because that's what they're told by the candidates and their supporters. This was my eleventh presidential election and it seems to me that each one was described as the most important – many the most important of a lifetime.

November 8, 2012 at 1:52 pm |

Rich Texas

I think for many reasons Jack, but most likely when the economy is good people really do not care who is in charge. When the economy is bad and it is effecting their every day lives they feel they have a stake in who the next president is. We will not know for another 4 years if Obama was a good choice and we will never know if Romney would have been better. All our eggs are in one basket now and we will have to wait to see if we eat an omelet or egg shells.

November 8, 2012 at 2:13 pm |

Jill

Because it was as much a debate between science and fundamentalist religion as the Scopes Trial.
Beyond the sound bites and the giant economic mess. Belief or lack of it in global warming. A fact based curriculum for schools, safe and legal abortions and issues such as air quality and health on one side.

A moral certainty that abortion is a sin, larger classrooms irrelevant and guns are good, defense is all the government should do. And pledging allegiance to Norquist rather than doing their job under the Constitution.

Both sides have some good points. We have a country that needs to find ways to cut our deficit. But many of us do not see going back to Horatio Alger and guns, god and glory as doing much to solve real problems.

November 8, 2012 at 2:13 pm |

Bryan Colorado

The choice was simple economic, educational and social freedoms. Come to Colorado and get legally green.

November 8, 2012 at 2:13 pm |

Ruth in Indianapolis

Yes, it mattered a lot. It was a clash of two ideologies. One was essentially a top-down plutocracy. The other was a bottom-up democracy. I have reservations about some of Obama's views, but Romney's would have been totally distructive.

November 8, 2012 at 2:14 pm |

Gigi Oregon

A deep decline in Government of and for "We the people". Grover Norquist tops the list. He would design a one party rule to govern the people with the power of capitalist and their money.Thanks!... to the Supreme court. The threat of voting fraud across the nation. The ignorance of the people to not realize the power of money, churches taking are tithes and buying lobbyist for special interests of the church for themselves and not the people...and not realizing many of us are leaving the church out of shame. Our once Godly Nation has become a den of thieves. That is my opinion and my reason for helping the Democrats to win. It may not be a perfect party...but it is leaving God the judgement of sinners and we are carrying out the mandate to care for the poor, elderly, widow and the stranger in our declining country. Our getting out to vote is to show that poor ignored people , can "over come" the mighty when... they are comfortable "Capitalising" over the 47%. With NO shame.

I believe God did "Bless America" Tuesday night.

November 8, 2012 at 2:14 pm |

ImALibertarian

From Richmond, Texas...

70% of voters say this election matters more than most because they haven't yet realized that Democrats and Republicans are snakes with different skin colors.

November 8, 2012 at 2:22 pm |

George in PA

It matters more because the country can't sustain another four years of legislative gridlock. A popular catch phrase is "the tipping point", If we continue with annual $1 Trillion deficits, our national debt will grow to more than $20 Trillion dollars by 2016. Interest of this debt will begin to choke off any chance of an economic recovery. If we continue QE Infinity the dollar value will drop and increase the chance of higher inflation rates. These are just a few of the reasons this election is so important.

November 8, 2012 at 2:26 pm |

Bob In Florida

It mattered because the demographics of the nation are changing. We’ve seen the rise and fall of conservatism and the raise of liberal fascism. We’ve seen the rise of the new shadow bosses (the mainstream media) and the fall of journalistic integrity. We’ve become a nation of we want what we want now and we don’t care who has to pay for it. We’ve been taught to believe that if someone is successful we are somehow entitled to some portion of their success. We’ve been lead to believe the new normal is no jobs and a weak economy. Yes this election did matter more than most

November 8, 2012 at 2:27 pm |

bob, ontario, canada

Jack, I would guess that it has to do with the economy and jobs creation. While Obama has tried to right the situation, it is difficult when so much of the world economy is in trouble, such as the almost dysfunctional EU group of nations. In addition, the president has had to deal with the Republican congress that has aptly been named the party of
"no". One thing is almost certain, the economy would not have received an instant fix had Mitt Romney been elected. Americans have to realize that his Republican solution would have been a copy of the former Bush policies that created the huge mess the country is just beginning to get out from under. It will be interesting to see if Obama can put forward a common-sense solution that will have a chance of being implemented that would provide a spark to ignite the economic doldrums.

November 8, 2012 at 2:28 pm |

Tom in Desoto, TX

Had Romney won and the Senate come under Republican rule I expected Health Care to get overturned. Social Services slashed. Appointed judges would almost all be Mormons, moving the courts to the extreme right. Abortion would attempt to be outlawed. Evolution be banned from being taught as well as sex education. Unions would be attacked to be dismantled. I believe TV, Radio and the internet would be "monitored" and restrictions be put in place. Equal Opportunity would be scrapped. Voting restrictions enhanced. And that's just the start. You get the picture.

November 8, 2012 at 2:29 pm |

Florida Pete

Because a little less than half of that 70% really wanted the Repubs to take over the entire govt and the SCOTUS, give more tax breaks to the rich, end Social Security, Medicare, abortions, contraception, gay sex and Obamacare, and stop all spending on "social" prograns like health care and education. Fortunately, a littile MORE than half of that 70% was determined to shut down the far right nutjobs once and for all, and force them back under the rocks they'd crawled out from. Unfortunately, just like other types of cockroaches, they'll be back, determined to get the gov't out of THEIR rich pockets and into YOUR bedroom. Know why Repubs always take us to war? Because it distracts us from the real problems, usually ones that THEY created. Check out the Bush/Cheney years – I rest my case.

November 8, 2012 at 2:30 pm |

Andre R. Newcomb

Because of the shifting strata in global realities. The very large wars of the past century have shown that there is no possibility of anyone shooting their way into prosperity. Just won't be tolerated. Now is the difficult part of reining ambitions to bring about parity for all to guarantee sustainability.

November 8, 2012 at 2:34 pm |

sandra

yes jackie this is election was so very important because of liar RYAN flipflopping romney MR.. 47% oh let me court the the ways the women rights were so upfront these mens think they know more about our needs then we do these mens didn't care about the other half of AMERICA only the rich like yourself JACK you are so transparent we see you for what you are!

November 8, 2012 at 2:38 pm |

Mr. D

Well, the lengthly and high priced formality is out of the way. Now let's see if the politicians have any energy and moral bearing to get this country going again. Sorry, I'm not too optimistic-hope I'm wrong.

November 8, 2012 at 2:40 pm |

Steve

I think it matters most is that the smart people, corporate America, and most of the middle class voted for Romney. That 70% number is phony number.
Obama voters were 95% black, 66% Latino, all the homosexual, bisexual, lesbians, comedians, athiests, and majority of the journalists, union members and last and not least brainwashed people all voted for Obama. Don't get me wrong all these people mean well but they got duped by Obama and his handlers but will not admit it. They were looking for a leader to support their social and ecomic status and I don't blame therm, but what does the future hold. The Dow just dropped 350 points in two days and it's not Bush's fault. The other 48% that voted for Romney have no power in this admnistration. How would you feel Jack if you were part of the 48%?? The bottom line is, to be very honest, people mentioned above, the election of Obama was very important. The other 48% got screwed morally. That is the feeling around the county like it or not but the Press will not report it that way.
Now if 50% of the Blacks and 50% of the Latinos, and 50% of the the remaining people of all types voted for Romney and 50% voted for Obama, and Obama won by a slim margin than you have a fair support by all the people in this nation. That is why we are so divided. We stick and support our leaders by faith, race, abortion, economic status and heritage. So I do't know where you came up with the 70% number, probably should be 100%??.
.

November 8, 2012 at 2:41 pm |

randy

Because white people's wages and benefits are being sacrificed to the 1% gods now. Nobody cared when it was just the minorities losing everything for the benefit of everyone else, but they underestimated the greed and insanity of the rich and powerful. The reluctance of the average American to say how much money and power is enough is played upon by the rich and powerful. The dirty, rotten, stinking truth is that they'll NEVER have enough, they want it all...lock, stock, and barrel.

November 8, 2012 at 2:41 pm |

BOB IN OHIO

It showed that America is no longer manipulated by old conservative white guys and that no matter how many lies they bombard us with we can still think for ourselves.

November 8, 2012 at 2:42 pm |

Ed from California

Because we need good paying jobs for the middle-class. I don't see Willard or cry baby Rove bringing those jobs back. I can only hope that Pres. Obama forces congress to address this critical problems, along with affordable health-care, letting people refinance their homes to lower rates, regardless of credit or income. Yes, Bill O'Reilly the middle-class wants something......a level playing field!!!

November 8, 2012 at 2:43 pm |

Olga Olivia

This was a historic milestone for this nation. The perception that the wealthy few who knew their money could buy a candidate and transform him into a changeling, could not buy our ideals. The spirit of this nation stood proud beside this President because it understood his struggle and understood what was at stake. We shall never, never relinquish our right to vote, to voice our opinion, to find the courage to stand against fear mongering and threat of reprisals...never.

November 8, 2012 at 2:45 pm |

Eric in Houston

That is because the parties have offered significantly different visions of where the country needs to go and most of the voters have a strong opinion about which of these is the right way. Unfortunately, the voters are about evenly split on which direction that is. And while I think most voters want the President and Congress to work together, they will at the same time not allow the President or their congressman to forget the principles upon which he/she was elected. Both parties are going to have to really compromise on moderate, pragmatic solutions and forget about any of their fringe ideas and dreams, because if they don't any possible cooperation will vaporize.

November 8, 2012 at 2:46 pm |

Michael Bindner if Alexandria, VA

They always say this, because now is all there is. The ultimate question was not whether to get rid of Obama care but who do we trust to deal with it blowing up once pre-existing condition reforms kill the insurance companies in 2014?

November 8, 2012 at 2:47 pm |

Stan from Ohio

We are becoming the America of the future. We okayed gay marriage, de-criminalized marijuana use, reaffirmed the need for healthcare reform and even elected a Hindu and a Buddhist in Hawaii. We showed that we are progressing not regressing.

November 8, 2012 at 2:51 pm |

joshua

Obama talks about raising taxes back to the levels under Bill Clinton but he never talks about going back to Clinton spending levels. How much of a dent in Obama's 1 trillion dollar spending deficit will taxing those making over 250k make? Not much. And wait until EVERYONE gets hit with the obamacare taxes in January. 2013 is going to be a fiscal disaster for all americans and I am not looking FORWARD to that.

November 8, 2012 at 2:55 pm |

Day

Because Fox news and the far right pundits have convinced them that the world will end if Obama serves another term. I have never seen so much hate and paranoia surrounding an election.

November 8, 2012 at 2:56 pm |

Donald Desaulniers (Belleville, Ontario)

Knowledgeable voters must realize that this election ranks way down the list of important events. Neither candidate was going to solve the enormous overspending problem being cleverly avoided by most politicians.
In retropect, the 2000 election was perhaps the most crucial ever for America. If Al Gore and the Democrats had won that remarkably close contest, then America would still be a financial powerhouse today. The Iraq fiasco and the Afghanistan abomination would never have occurred. Unfortunately, George W. Bush and his bevy of warmongers took over the reins in January, 2001 and redirected the USA on the inevitable road to bankruptcy and chaos.

November 8, 2012 at 2:57 pm |

Michael Griffin Rothesay, New Brunswick, Canada

Good one Jack!

You can actually ask that question with a straight face?

November 8, 2012 at 3:00 pm |

Cliff Glass

Jack,

Because 2012 was the American electorates' response to the most overt acts of voter suppression since before the passing of the Civil Rights act. If the people had failed to respond, the last vestiges of Democracy would have disappeared permanently.

November 8, 2012 at 3:00 pm |

Stan Bauer

I think they are all incredibly important, but with spiraling debt and the looming fiscal cliff, I can't help but think that many folks share in my fear that continued lack of cooperation and willingness to work as a whole to try and finds solutions has many nerves frazzled. Let's all hope that the blockades can be knocked down, at least enough to accomplish something.

November 8, 2012 at 3:01 pm |

Gary H. Boyd

Because of the partisan division that exists not only in government but within the nation as a whole Jack. That, coupled with the prospect of national bankruptcy, demands compromise and understanding from the Oval Office and Halls of Congress to those on Main Street, USA. Those elected this time around, whether they be Republicans, Democrats or independents, along with those who elected them, need to understand the word COMPROMISE if America is to survive.

Gary in Scottsdale, Arizona .

November 8, 2012 at 3:02 pm |

Doug Ericson

Having a new dog in the White House wouldn't have changed much. Just the chest pounding and wailing roles of the two parties would have been reversed. I think we can hit bottom faster without the dissruption of a new regime, so the election was important from that standpoint. The Federal Reserve will continue to bail out the Banks by buying their monopoly money Mortgage Backed Securities untill the last penny is gone. Maybe President Obama should appoint Mitt Romeny as the new Treasury Secretary, after whats his name resigns. Romney would be the perfect choice to help guide the country through bankruptcy. John Kerry would be entertaining as Secretary of State, so I hope he gets the job after Hillary resigns. Can you imagine, Obama, Biden, Kerry. Yes the American citizens did do the right thng in returning Obama for another term. Election night coverage was a blur, especially between 7 and tenish. The numbers from 2008 that CNN put up, were confusing and distracting to me so I kept flipping the channels to try to find some simpler reporting. Doug, Pepperell, MA.

November 8, 2012 at 3:03 pm |

David, Tampa

It is the best of times, it is the worst of times. From the homes of the filthy rich to the poor folk living in the world of devastation caused by natural disaster, America is at a fundamental turning point. Half of us want to take the fork in the road to the right and half of us want to take the fork to the left ergo we are kind of stuck. We don't like what is going on yet we vote not to change. I hear hardening of the brain from the Congressional side of things; more retrenchment of rhetoric of the last two years and an attempt to put this off for the new Congress. Hark, I hear a voice crying in the wilderness (I think the White House actually) for conciliation and compromise, but not really. Each side claims to have a mandate for their cause (bull...). No more excuses, no more spin, the time for action is upon you. I hope you are up to the challenge, have courage, and will refrain from doing the Republican thing, refrain from doing the Democratic thing, and do the right thing to paraphrase JFK; this is the third road and the one I would travel by. I doubt very seriously our politicians will exhibit the courage and do what is required.

November 8, 2012 at 3:03 pm |

Amitoj

To let Obama finish with whatever he can do with 8 years the same way Bush was given 8 years.

November 8, 2012 at 3:08 pm |

Gary-Woodhaven, Michigan

If indeed this election mattered more than others why then do we remain the same?

One symptom of dysfunction is: the more we try to change the more we remain the same.

What matters are not the secondary actors in our lives, we can change those around us and still nothing changes, what matters is we look and change the primary actor in our life's story, ourselves. Then our lives will change.

November 8, 2012 at 3:09 pm |

Larry in Houston

Why would voters say this election matters more than most ?

Jack – before I answer your question, I want to let you know that I'm glad that you've decided to only work one or two days a week, or maybe you're not putting Out as many "posts" or articles, as you once have. I typically take a couple hrs. on Saturday & Sunday mornings, to read or re-read your Posts and I Just Love the people's comments that I read, while I'm drinking my morning Coffee !! ( I had a difficult time keeping up, when you were doing 5 posts per wk)

Carry ON, My Friend !!

Now to the ans. to your Q.

The reason THIS Election Mattered the Most Was because of the A.H.C.A. ( Affordable Health Care Act) ( y'know the "previous existing condition" part ? and other parts)

2) If Romney would have been elected – then the females in this country would have to live like they did in the 1950's or 1960's . I could be wrong, but I doubt they would want to go back that far.

3) The Supreme Court of this Country – IF Romney would have been elected – he would end up appointing at least 1 or maybe 2 Conservative Judges – that being said, In my honest opinion, this would cause more strain on families & women, in particular.

Not sure on what order these would be – but all 3 are important.

Thanks for putting My Opinion in Your Comment Section, Sir.

Answer

November 8, 2012 at 3:15 pm |

Bizz, Quarryville Pennsylvania

The election matter to me because when I looked at Romney I seen another George W. I also seen a party that wants to live in the past and still believes in the trickle-down theory. The Republicans need to get off their back sides and move towards the middle where the majority of the people now live. They need to break their pledge to Glover Nordquist. This man never held office and yet he controls 90% of the Republicans in the party by making them take a pledge to him. Nordquist was never elected to office and he should not have that much power and control over what Congress can do especially in the House of Representatives. This election was important because it showed the Republicans that there is a new majority and if they want to survive they need to stop listening to people like Michelle Bachmann, Sarah Palin and Carl Rowe.

November 8, 2012 at 3:24 pm |

Gary Tapperson

This election meant more to me than any election in my life; voted for Romney in 2012, but Obama in 2008; Romney should have clearly won in landslide after Obama's failed 4 years on economy and jobs alone; I'm shocked still, and felt we lost the America that I grew up in with this election!! I'm very sad, frustrated, disappointed, and angry for Americans.

November 8, 2012 at 3:31 pm |

Gary Tapperson

Romney was the right man for the job at the right moment in history to fix the economy, grow the GDP, grow employment, and make the USA more competitive globally; Romney was the right man to help return American values, putting responsibility back into the hands of Americans instead of government; Romney was the right man to begin to reduce the debt and drive the deficit down; Romney was a business guy, and we need a business guy running the largest economy on earth. I am so sad, disappointed and angry; I felt we lost the America I grew up in with this election.

November 8, 2012 at 3:35 pm |

Ann from Charleston, SC

I think voters felt this election mattered more because the two candidates and the two parties were defined by sharper differences. In previous years, there just wasn't that much difference between the two – I know I always felt that even if the other guy won, things would work out for the best. I just didn't feel that way this year.

November 8, 2012 at 3:38 pm |

David of Alexandria, VA

This was an opportunity to introduce some new ideas and ways of thinking into what had become an old, tired litergy of political and ideological scripts. This was an opportunity to bring real and experienced leadership and business savvy to the Oval Office. This was an opportunity to bring a moderate, pragmatic voice experienced in problem solving and consensus building not in villification and divisiveness. If ever there was a time for real hope and change to a different model for different times, it was now. Maybe next time......

November 8, 2012 at 3:40 pm |

Carla from Birmingham

This election mattered more than most because Americans - Latino, Black, Women, the new generation of voters, the elderly - all of us who make up the Real America - made a smart choice after weighing our options: (1) Vote for a man proven to repeatedly lie in his commercials, speeches and in the debates, who champions the wealthy and has open contempt for what he refers to as the 47% (which includes elderly on social security and veterans) – OR – (2) Vote for a man who inherited the worst fiscal picture since the Depression (caused by a Republican), yet shouldered that responsibility his first days in office. A man who saved our car manufacturers , including thousands of jobs, and put tighter regulations on banks that Bush allowed to run wild with their bad mortgages – one bank even referring in-house to their promotion of mortgages destined to fail as “The Hustle”. A man who generated jobs where there were none, worked for green solutions to our energy crisis, championed healthcare for everyone, took out Osama Bin Laden, has Al Quaeda on the run, ended a senseless war in Iraq, and stopped his re-election campaign to help the victims of Sandy and make sure they were getting the assistance they need. Americans made the right choice.

November 8, 2012 at 3:40 pm |

Wilhelm in Las Vegas

this election was more important than most because 1) a Romney win would have ment at least one and maybe two more "conservative" judges on the Supreme Court. 2) IF you have Medicare, or are close to it, Romney-Ryan's plan was to end it. 3) the former Bush "foreign policy advisors" Romney surrounded himself with would have almost surely mean yet ANOTHER war.

that is the "Big Three" for me

November 8, 2012 at 3:40 pm |

Brad Arnsparger

...because we are at a pivotal place in our history in terms of: It matters most in having a leader that is best representative at home & to the world of who, collectively, that we are as a people. And... Having someone that addresses our economic problems from a balanced stand-point so as to spread the effects of 'solve' to ALL, and not just onto the middle-class or those that are in need of the social programs that we have in America.

November 8, 2012 at 3:41 pm |

Leta

This November 2012 election matters most, because it showed Karl Rove and his SuperPac friends
that no amount of money can buy an election. He should know that with the internet American voters cannot be fooled
anymore, more informed and more involved in the political process. Noticed how disgruntled and bitter he was when
Fox News aired the election result in Ohio . What a waste of money, they could have helped the struggling Americans,
but then again their political platform – GREED and POWER – they will hang on to these no matter who gets hurt
along the way.

November 8, 2012 at 3:41 pm |

karin los angeles, CA

Yes. Being a senior and seeing the good effect of Obamacare, I did not want to lose it. Also, the Supreme Court choices in the future are very important to me. I was actually scared that Obama wouldn't win. Thank goodness the hype was just that.

November 8, 2012 at 3:42 pm |

Stan from Ohio

Whether you like him or not with President Obama you know you will get a calm, thoughtful and well considered response to any situation that arises. Mitt Romney flipped around so often even he didn't know what he thought about the issues at hand. Obama's consistent demeanor is what America needs right now.

November 8, 2012 at 3:46 pm |

DaleW in Lowell MA

It's a test on just how much excessive dollars in the election means to the final result. I for one, think citizens united was the biggest miscarriage of the intent of the founding fathers. If they could have imagined what kind of money wasted on these elections was they'd have a different structure to parts of the Constitution and a few more amendments initially. I say wasted because that money could be spent on making Americans lives better, not by making all the media outlets richer. Who benefited from the billion dollars spent to influence our votes? Not the candidates nor the electorate, but all the media corporations that squeeze and distort the news for THEIR corporate gain.

November 8, 2012 at 3:47 pm |

Mycroft Lake Travis Texas

Now Jack , My answer to your is purely speculative in a lot of regards, as to why this last election mattered more than others. We as Citizens of the USA, proved that honesty, morals and principles, still stand for something. We have become fact checkers and are very dubious of the GOP's stand on issues. We witnessed the obstruction of this President's first term and were nauseated by all the lies put forth by the GOP, FOX news, Glen Beck, Rush Limbaugh, Donald Trump, the GOP Candidates and we took in to consideration the huge amount of money put forth by billionaires into super pacs for Karl Roves manure slinging machine and the facts cut through the BS thick or thin. I was so impressed and entertained, by the election the other night, well I have been elated ever since. I was wrong about one of predictions, the election was called for Obama a good hour and fifteen minutes after I stated it. My apologies, I my wildest dreams I never considered a hurricane impacting the north east the way it did. Thank God for all those intelligent voters that voted for Obama. For Romney voters, my advise is, turn the channel and get yourself an education. That is really what matters most ! Our country can't afford any more mistakes like George W. Bush. Let us never, never ever forget.

November 8, 2012 at 3:48 pm |

Jane in CA

For decades, at least, major problems for this country and the world have been kicked down the road. Some interests have worked to delay changes, others have just made different items their top priority. The issues don't go away, they just fester and become larger the longer it goes on. Just because some minor or even major progress gets made on something every 25 or 50 years, doesn't mean that all the other issues don't keep getting more difficult to deal with. We still haven't reached racial equality 50 years after the civil rights act. Social security is still a target after 80 years. The ACA is less progressive than the health care plan that Nixon proposed, and health care has been an issue for over 70 years. Global warming? Florida will be underwater before this country decides we need to actually address the issue. If you want to see real progress in this country, each election brings all the unresolved past issues and all the new ones together in a continually "most important" election. When half the country defines progress as the opposite of the other half, you are guaranteed an unending succession of most important elections for at least half the country.

November 8, 2012 at 3:48 pm |

Joe, MT

Hi Jack, the outcome matters because of two reasons. Reason number one is that there was an incumbent who is committed to sustainable politics put in place by law makers rather than presidential order, and a challenger with the same record in this respect. So each one of them is seen as not only reigning his term but shaping the future. Unless being so powerful to override philibuster, either of them will not get much done, but the deals struck in congress will be decisive. That perspective forced people to make their pick. The second reason is that the dividing cultural war is over, people are embracing same sex marriage and medical marihuana in blue and red states alike. So tea party issues are less relevant to the major society despite its strong grip on the GOP. That also urged people to speak out. I think those two reasons made people feel concerned about their future and go to the polls instead of following phlegma.

November 8, 2012 at 3:49 pm |

Paul in NC

This election mattered more because of the looming threat to our future posed by radical conservatism. Voters came to understand during the campaign how severly this twisted ideology would damage our future. It wasn't just tax cuts for the wealthy or the Ryan budget that voters rejected. They chose science over mythology, inclusion over exclusion, education over propaganda and rational thinking over fear mongering. This election has proclaimed the far right agenda as unacceptable in America but those who cling to it will never get it.

November 8, 2012 at 3:52 pm |

Rob-Texas

I believe its that we feel that we are a turning point in the way the country has been and will be in the future. Some say we have now turned the corner to being an entildement society. Others it is that we are so polorized and there seems to be now end to that, but expectations are high.

November 8, 2012 at 3:57 pm |

Richard Oak Harbor, Wa

is more likely than GOP immediacy. Healthcare will be available for all Americans at competitive costs. Women will be able to decide their own healthcare needs.

November 8, 2012 at 3:58 pm |

Todd

Jack,
This was the point where we either went the way of the "Robber Barons" or remembered why our ancestors came to this country........ remember the King owned everything. Well now about 400 families own everything. I'm glad some of us are waking up to the fact that we are headed toward just the sort of feudalism our ancestors fled.

November 8, 2012 at 3:58 pm |

Overby

You answered your own question: all you have to do is look around at the state of the union.....this is a sad week for America, four more years of no hope, more lies and cover-ups from some clowns that spend too much time on lame TV shows than taking care of business.

November 8, 2012 at 3:59 pm |

Rich Texas

Why does it mater?Jack it is simple really. People are scratching their heads right about now thinking how can you elect a man that spends over a billion dollars in order to get elected to a job that only pays $400.000 per year and then expect him to balance a budget and reduce debt?

November 8, 2012 at 3:59 pm |

Jack, Lancaster, Ohio

Mr. Cafferty:

You have outlined more valid fears than I could remember, thanks. I could only remember three, jobs, jobs and let's see, Jobs !

November 8, 2012 at 3:59 pm |

DW in Lowell MA

Citizens united and too much money in politics! What did (or didn't) the $1B buy the rich folks? A true waste of money. What was spent on the media corporations (and what and how they tried to skew the vote because of it...FOXnews) could have been to a more humane use.

November 8, 2012 at 4:01 pm |

jen seattle wa

Becuz the treasons coming from the State dept will continue to embrace the desire of empire guranteeing entitlement to global money worshipppers/powermongers while u.s. citizens are kicked out of thier homes to make way for those on the state dept welfare recipient list as the govt claims they are proppinmg up the aritifical housing market making us desperate with a supply and demand squeeze that derails the interior of this country.

November 8, 2012 at 4:03 pm |

Tom (Atlanta)

Jack, I started a company, built it and employed a lot of people. I worked hard for this and lived the American dream. I saved and sold my business that added to my nest egg. Now I see the fruits of these labors being eaten away by an administration that doesn't understand that when you don't run your enterprise profitably everyone loses. Right, the government is non profit but the only difference with business is that it is also non loss, and we the people are paying for their incompetence. This election worries me a lot because I worry that it will be more of the same. I am a pro choice republican who supports gay marriage who believes in smaller government and empowerment of the people. I feel very alone right now.

November 8, 2012 at 4:03 pm |

Bill in San Diego

I can't speak for the nation but as a white middle class Obama supporter I desperately wanted him to win a second term for one main reason. I needed to know that all the lies, misinformed, delusional, and racist remarks I've heard the last 4 years about this president (and the list is endless) is only a small annoying minority. In short this was an election of Truth vs. Fox News.

November 8, 2012 at 4:05 pm |

PK

It was an Obama MUST win election! For the first time in all the years I have been voting, I felt a real fear of Romney winning, He has absolutely no idea what the average American needs! He gave me the impression that he truly thinks we all are as rich as he and the ones who aren't are all gimmy gimmy welfare recipients! I think he was the worst choice the GOP could have made. My prayers were answered!

November 8, 2012 at 4:06 pm |

Ed - Rochester, NY

What mattered most to me was the fact that the next president will likely select one or two Supreme Court Justices. A president is for four years, but a shift in the Court could be felt for decades.

November 8, 2012 at 4:07 pm |

terry brennan

This election mattered the most to preserve the right to choose for women. To keep one of the greatest non profit organizations afloat in this country. The war on women was not imaginary as was the war on religion. Unfortunately, to deal with debt there is only one reasonable answer, cut spending and increase taxes. Bush got us in this mess, its up to Obama to deal with it. Tough thing to do with the crazies running the GOP. Going to be a tough road to go down. The bright side is that we will not have someone with fascist views running the country.

November 8, 2012 at 4:10 pm |

JMorcan

This election could have been important, but it wasn't. The incumbent couldn't fix the economy in four years of trying, and the challenger had to viable plans to do so. The economic decline was/is destined to continue regardless of which candidate rules the White House.

November 8, 2012 at 4:11 pm |

bcc, LA, Ca

Because its the most recent one.

November 8, 2012 at 4:11 pm |

NurseLisa in CT

Jack – it is because our polarized countrymen are all sure that ~50% of the country has gone mad. Pick a topic- while we can all agree the economy is a problem, we have at least two very different ideas on how to fix it. Then all the threats of voter fraud, voter suppression and intimidation – stirs up fear on both sides . And then add in the speed of the internet at disseminating scary facts and deplorable untruths that noone wants to research before forwarding or crying foul. Until we decide to work together, this fervor will persist.

November 8, 2012 at 4:13 pm |

JM

It mattered then. It matters now.

Not everyone can be fooled, bought.

November 8, 2012 at 4:13 pm |

HURRICANEPAUL from Hawaii

** Why would voters say this election matters more than most? **

Jack, the National Debt is over $16 trillion dollars. To put that number into perspective, If we divide that number by the 50 states, each state is $320 billion in the red.

Does that answer your question?

November 8, 2012 at 4:14 pm |

JeanneLH

If the GOP screwed up by repeating the same mistakes GeorgeW did, out country may not be able to recover from another recession/depression. If banks collapse again, we're in big trouble

November 8, 2012 at 4:14 pm |

Jeff In Bishop, Georgia

Mr. Cafferty, this election mattered more than most because the Oval Office is occupied (pun intended) by an amateur with failed leftist policies. Obama has been a terrible president, but the leeches and American Idol electorate have given his regime the golden ticket to dismantle the greatest republic our planet has seen.

November 8, 2012 at 4:15 pm |

Debbie in Charleston

I think this one mattered more than usual because whoever is the president will probably get to appoint two judges to the supreme court. Now we know that there won't be two more Scalia or Alito types to tilt the court in even more in the extreme right direction.

November 8, 2012 at 4:16 pm |

Jim Charlotte NC

For the same reason they said it 4 years ago and will be saying it 4 years from now.

November 8, 2012 at 4:16 pm |

sweetenedtea

Why it mattered more to me? The issues are important, certainly, and that's how I picked my votes. But what made this election especially important was the fact that I just spent 4 years listening to fear-mongering, insane hyperbole, slander, lies and hatred on a scale that staggered the imagination. I watched at Republican leaders openly avowed that their central goal, their primary motive, wasn't serving the people, or accomplishing civic ends, or even doing what they were elected to do. Instead, they were hellbent on one thing and one thing only - removing Obama from office. This goal was central to their rhetoric from the very start, from Bush's lame-duck period even before Obama actually took office. So you really want to know where Republicans went wrong and why this election resonated so strongly with many of us? It's quite simple - we wanted to validate our belief that the egregious and overwhelming ongoing campaign of disinformation and rage would not be what decided our country's future. We wanted to let the Republican leaders know that catering to the extremists and escalating the the rhetoric of Antichrist/Commie/Terrorist Obama, of demonizing the President beyond all reason, ultimately destroyed their chances of connecting with the majority of the electorate. Will they learn their lesson? One can only hope. But listening to and reading the reactions of many of the Republican leaders and pundits over the last couple days doesn't give me cause for optimism. They're still pointing fingers the wrong direction, still blind to their own failings. It may be that we'll need to do this again in 2016. And again, and again, until the lightbulb comes on somewhere.

November 8, 2012 at 4:16 pm |

Morris Herman

This election matters more because we needed to cement the gains we made since 2008. Obamacare lives on and will be fully implemented within a few years, no conservative judges will be appointed to the Supreme Court, women will not lose rights they have had since the 1950s and 1970s and they will be able to get more equal pay for same work done as men.

November 8, 2012 at 4:17 pm |

Rich in TX

Voters think it matters more than most solely because it's the most recent election. It is front and center in their minds. Give them 20 years and ask them what the most important election was of the last 50, and I doubt they'd pick 2012.

November 8, 2012 at 4:17 pm |

Nicholas Kandis

Besides the dire urgency of avoiding the fiscal cliff, I'd say it is the cult of anti-Obama. I've never witnessed a president so viscerally hated, and that includes Bush #43. ~Nick, Tucson, AZ

November 8, 2012 at 4:20 pm |

Nick Minale, Syracuse N.Y.

It matters more because people don't understand the consequences or detail of their choices – Example – there was no discussion about the cost vs. reimbursement structure that ObamaCare will create. We have two systems (Medicare/Medicaid) that already reimburse at rates not set by the market that cause physicians/hospitals to lose money – now we will have a 3rd. Where do people think the money will come from ?

November 8, 2012 at 4:21 pm |

Ted

The politicans have nothing to lose...they have been re-elected. All we will hear is TALK TALK TALK. " We are just another day older and deeper in dept." NOTHING WIIL CHANGE.

November 8, 2012 at 4:23 pm |

Tom morris

I got down right mad at those that attempted to keep friends in Floida from voting. The amont of money the Coans (msp) bbrothers, the gentleman in Vegas, etc. were unsuccesful due to their attempts to supress. We were sick and tired of the birthers, THE TUmps,etc. The GOP is only O.W.F (old white far*#), Our country is more than that group. Tom Morris

November 8, 2012 at 4:23 pm |

Mark.....in Houston

I think a major part of it has to do with a country severely divided, scared to death of where the opposition may be taking us. Many of us, with our own mix of prejudices and beliefs, saw this election as the last opportunity for this country to seek the path we think would save our backsides.
I for one am very relieved in thinking we made the right choice. You can yell and scream about economy and jobs all you want. The gradual removal from that ditch is much preferable to one in which the beliefs of religious zealots becomes my law and where , minorities, women and the middle class are seen as nothing more than burdens the wealthy white male is forced to deal with.

November 8, 2012 at 4:26 pm |

Don McCarthy

This election was a battle between the have and the have-nots. The financial elite have hijacked the economy and are pocketing any growth for themselves. Even though Obama has clearly aligned himself with Wall Street, he has not completely given everything away. At his best, Obama understands the progressive social changes in this country and has responded to them. At his worst, Obama is a thin shield that protects the middle class from the onslaught of massive deregulations that would have occurred under a Romney administration. I'm also appalled at the civil liberties that Obama has taken away under his watch. However, this is a moment where the little guy can feel proud that they have stood up and won against the complete arrogance and thievery of the financial elite.

November 8, 2012 at 4:26 pm |

Kenji Sugahara

That's an easy one Jack. Two words. Supreme Court
Salem, Oregon

November 8, 2012 at 4:26 pm |

CARRIE IN ALABAMA

Well they always say that , because in the moment in time it is, until the next one!
But is was and historic in many ways . For me the HCR remaining in place, getting back to a more reasonalbe tax rates for the wealthy , I pay much more % wise than Mitt . Absurd! You should see my pay check!
And I am tired of the the no compomise tea party! I am women hear me roar and roar we did!!!

November 8, 2012 at 4:26 pm |

Gordo from NJ

Groundhog Day, Jack. Romney had already hired many Dubyah's Neo-con foreign policy idiots; was planning to fund a huge tax cut for the 1% with more deficits; would likely try to privatize medicare and social security; and "Moderate Mitt" was a shallow re-run of the "compassionate conservative." That was a close call.

November 8, 2012 at 4:27 pm |

Terry in Virginia

Because it's the first time in decades that The People have spoken loudly to our elected representatives as one voice, regardless for whom we voted: We want the nonsense stopped. I'm tired of the game playing; pundits spewing ideology; our representatives’ partisan gamesmanship and gridlock; and what seems like neverending election cycles. The majority in this country work extremely hard and paid into the system. We are not takers. We are not losers. Angry? Hell, yes. Americans - rich, middle class, and poor - are tired of all this crap. Right now it's about the fiscal cliff, jobs and the economy - the same issues we've been facing for years thanks to trickle-down economics and unfunded wars, mandates, and programs for which both parties are to blame. The American People are smarter than our elected representatives think we are. It's time for both parties to stop living in the past and come into the reality of the 21st Century and work together NOW. If not, then 2014 isn't that far off and a whole new Congress may soon be on the horizon.

November 8, 2012 at 4:29 pm |

carey from Silsbee,Texas

I say that it matters more than most because the Republican Party has finally reached the point that it must start its swing back towards the center if it hopes to maintain relevance. Sort of like what happened to the Democratic Party after Nixon's landslide in 1972. It took the Dems 20 years to get back to the center. The importance is that it means gridlock should start to ease as the party is forced to be more rational and begin to compromise with it's and the Democrat's center. The President will be able to lead the Democratic Party. Will Republican leadership be able to do the same with its party?

November 8, 2012 at 4:30 pm |

Dee

Because if President Obama had lost, then that means that the bad people would have won. The people who have been acting out and saying and doing bad things against this president since he was elected in 2008 acting like spoiled 2 yr olds throwing a temper tantrum would have gotten their way by acting like little brats!

Dee

Houston TX

November 8, 2012 at 4:31 pm |

Timothy

Ever election should matter, society-culturally is changing. This is know longer a white male anglo-saxon world who can dictate with their power and money. The more this country changes in regards to demographics it will effect the values of that society. People affect change based upon their needs, wants or desires. What took place in the late 90's to early 2000's to is a different period and time. This election mattered more because times are changing rapidly in that we are near the end of days.

November 8, 2012 at 4:32 pm |

Greg Cox of Bremerton, WA

It mattered more to me than any other election in my history because there are so many polarizing issues, so many problems that continue to be problems without bi-partisan concern for most Americans, wars, debt, deficit, jobs, loss of middle class happiness, attacks on our right-to-bear arms to defend ourselves, distrust of our petty politicians, infrastructure issues, a warming climate with more horrific weather impacts nationawide, a tax code that no one understands, government regulations from feds to states to cities that discourage small business owners. Oh, there's more, Jack, but I"m already tired of thinking about them and I have little hope that our President, our Congress and Senate can ever work together for the "good of our nation". As such, I fear for our very future!

November 8, 2012 at 4:33 pm |

Neil A Cleveland, Ohio

I keep hearing the pundits say how much the country has changed and how the election was a reflection of this "new" America. This idea is so far from the mark. A detailed analysis reveals that Obama won with only a 1% margin of the popular vote, down from 7% in the last election, meaning he actually lost 6% of his popular support from the previous election. In the same token, the Republicans increased their seats in Congress. What Obama did do was wage a very sophisticated campaign that successfully targeted strategic geographic areas to pull the electoral votes in key States (mostly by very narrow margins). He ran a better campaign for sure. But overall, this clearly was NOT a mandate for Obama. The country is still split right down the middle, with half of the country very upset at how the President has run things for the past 4 years. I hope that he understands that he is also the President of, and accountable to, the other 50% of the population that wanted him out. If he doesn't, and the onus is on him, then we are all screwed (not just the Republicans).

November 8, 2012 at 4:33 pm |

Tom

Because all of us Democrats could not imagine having to listen to Romney for four years. Not to mention the damage he would do dragging us backwards on social and financial issues.
Tom
Harpers Ferry

November 8, 2012 at 4:34 pm |

Moe

Lambertville, Michigan

Its simple Jack. These two parties have somehow convinced the majority of the electorate that they have completely different ways of fixing our problems. Problem is whether Romney or Obama is president we'll get more of the same.

November 8, 2012 at 4:34 pm |

BrainTurnedOff

Just one word: Bush. He is proof what happens if you have a bad president, so people realize now how important elections really are. Even now, with him out of the office for almost four years, we still feel the impact of his legacy and try to recover from that.

November 8, 2012 at 4:35 pm |

JPX

This election was a statement against a party that has become increasingly hateful with their anti-gay, anti-women, anti-minority stance. There is no longer room for the angry bloated, white Republican such as Newt, Limbaugh, and Trump not to mention the hateful women in the party such as Palin and Coulter. This election symbolizes the death of the Republican party as we know it. If they don't start to get real about social issues than they will never win again.

November 8, 2012 at 4:35 pm |

STEVEN

jack, it mattered more because the Tea party was trying to hi-jack our government and send it into a crash &burn.they have been working on it for over two years.

November 8, 2012 at 4:35 pm |

Ken, Pinon Hills,California

For the Republicans it must matter.The presidential race may not be as close in 2016. The Republican Party must rediscover America to continue to be a political force. The changing demographics say so. If one noticed the assembled masses at the Republican and Democratic conventions last summer, the faces in the GOP crowd were mostly white, but the Democratic shindig was a melting pot, representative of the United States growing population.
Republicans in the past, have said they are looking to make the "big tent" bigger, and Republicans are serving up a little something for everyone, while in reality it has been a Pup Tent.

November 8, 2012 at 4:36 pm |

Scott Sayman

For generations people have immigrated to the United States to seek opportunity and a better life. They would work hard, harder than any college kids now understand, so their children would have a better life. Men fought in World Wars to protect the liberty and safety of Americans. This is what Americas founding fathers intended, and this ideology was the cornerstone of American values. This election showed that entitlement, the expectancy of immediate success, and the complete disregard for the deficit is what the majority of Americans voted for. This is how Democrats must have felt when Bush won his second term, and although the issues were different, I can't blame them. We have elected (2) of the worst Presidents in US history to second terms- back to back. But this is the FIRST time that non-American ideals have encompassed the majority. This country is lost and will not be able to return. In 4 years it will be clearer what I am talking about.

November 8, 2012 at 4:37 pm |

Bill

It was important to be because it seemed as if there was a possibility that extremest and the very wealthy were going to take over our government.

Bill
Fremont, Nebraska

November 8, 2012 at 4:38 pm |

John Geheran

It definitely mattered more. Unlike any other election, four more years of big government getting much bigger will cement the "gimme more free stuff" elements of our society at the expense of others. It will give new meaning to "you didn't build that".

November 8, 2012 at 4:38 pm |

bob

It was probably the last chance for neo conservatives to elect a president. The 'publican constituencey – uneducated, anti-science, mass-murder-loving, kook-religion and political-dogma addled fools – will hopefully continue to shrink towards insignificance as Americans start learning how to compete in global markets. This was the hopefully their last big chance, before being relegated to the status of dinosaurs, Nazis, crusaders, and other inhabuitants of history's great trash bin.

November 8, 2012 at 4:39 pm |

Rick

If this election mattered more why did 15M less voters show up compared to 2008?

November 8, 2012 at 4:39 pm |

Bill

It was important for me because it seemed possible that extremest and the very wealthy might take control of our government.

Bill
Fremont, Nebraska

November 8, 2012 at 4:40 pm |

Joseph Connell

The most important issue that may become reality and soon is the make up of the Supreme Court. Had Romney won the Court would be loaded with Right Wingers which would not be representative of the make up of this beloved country.

November 8, 2012 at 4:40 pm |

Larry G

Because we have the attention span of gnats.

Larry from Decatur Georgia

November 8, 2012 at 4:41 pm |

Gail, Plano TX.

Jack: All presidential elections matter! Does this one matter more than others? We shall see. The most important election in my lifetime was 2008. The election of the first African-American president brought with it a pride & ebullience which was unprecedented and which was short lived due to tfe GOP. But he not only survived their derision, but conquered them! President Obama brought back something that had been absent in this nation for 8 years. HOPE.

November 8, 2012 at 4:42 pm |

Lora from Columbus

This election was crucial because America is at a crossroad trying to determine on which path to move forward. Half the voting public wants to steer the Great America in one direction and the other half the opposite. People have very firm yet opposing beliefs regarding the role of government in our daily lives. We are a decisive nation. Not only were Americans voting for the president but also moral and social issues. The Perfect Storm.

November 8, 2012 at 4:42 pm |

Gary in San Jose, California

I'd say it's naivety, Jack. Most voters think that if they pick the right candidate all our problems will go away painlessly. This election was no more important than any other election and there will be pain associated with fixing our problems.

November 8, 2012 at 4:44 pm |

Joseph Connell of Daytona Beach, Florida

The Supreme Court and its Make up is too important to let a right wing President pack it with Right wing thinking. The make up of this country is far from Right wing and we would have a court which is not representative of this country.

November 8, 2012 at 4:45 pm |

Julie Smith

I'm not sure voters thought it was that important. According to polls, the economy was #1 concern. Also, big numbers said they trusted Romney more than Obama to be able to fix the economy. And yet, Obama is re-elected. That makes me think that 80% of the people who voted for Obama had no clue what kind of trouble we are in at this time. They just wanted to be able to continue on with their lives by being parasites. The money will run out eventually. They just don't think it will.
t

November 8, 2012 at 4:47 pm |

Andy Daniel

This election mattered much more to me than 2008. n 2008 I voted for Obama, but wasn't worried about a McCain presidency – I thought both men would do a decent job. This time, I voted for Obama again – and I wasn't worried about Romney the man as president, I was very worried that a Romney victory would validate the Republican's recent strategy of obstructionism – make the president inneffective so that we win in 4 years – which could have become the textbook strategy for BOTH parties – something clearly bad for America.

November 8, 2012 at 4:47 pm |

JM from DFW

Clinton left office with a budget surplus. Entitlement programs were in great shape. Bush declared two wars, gave tax cuts and created a disaster. The Republican Party has turned into war mongers, a bunch of angry white men who think that all minorities are on welfare, disrespectful to our President, and now want to cripple the middle class by doing nothing the last 4 years, block opportunities for families, blame Obama and try to return the Bush plan by eliminating regulations that protect the people. Thank God for Hurricane Sandy, it was a wake up call for those who follow him.

November 8, 2012 at 4:47 pm |

Dave in WA

Yes, this election absolutely mattered more. The so-called "color barrier" in politics has been broken twice. States like mine are taking major steps towards sane reforms of our anti-drug laws. The youth of America are voting in record numbers.

I've been voting since 1996, and can't recall an election outcome that felt better than this week's was. I personally hope it spells the extinction of Republican extremism and the further marginalization of far-right ideological traits such as racism, fundamentalist religion, etc. Our country will be much better off.

November 8, 2012 at 4:49 pm |

jk in MN

If they have followed what's been happening (or better stated what hasn't happened) in Congress and in the state governments that turned all Republican and the legislation they actually did pass, a voter should be able to see that extremeism and obstruction can't be rewarded. The Citizen's united unleashing all that unchecked money into elections also gives a handful of billionaires the chance to buy the government they want. I do not want to see our democracy turn into an Oligarchy; I would hope that the rest of Amerca would care too. The Minnesota voters woke up to these tactics and turned the entire legislature control back over to the Democrats in this last election after 2 disasterous years of Republican control. The taxpayers got 2 constitutional amendments for Voter ID and definistion of Marriage to vote on, a government shutdown and no cooperation with the Democratic governor.

November 8, 2012 at 4:50 pm |

Jim for PA

Yes it did. Had Romney won and had his tax plan been implemented the economic consequences would have been devasting. Romnomics=Higher Deficits, Increased Debt, AND Widening Gap in Wealth Distribution.

November 8, 2012 at 4:51 pm |

Rick from Iowa

When will we get back to the time that the Congress was the referees and the people are the players?

November 8, 2012 at 4:51 pm |

Cricket666

Had Republicans been voted in, it would not be a real election but rather a purchased one, bought by the highest bidder. I truly don't want any election to be an auction.

November 8, 2012 at 4:51 pm |

Jack in Florida

Hi Jack. For me, this was all about social issues. It mattered because Universal Healthcare, Woman's rights, and Gay rights were all on the line. Mitt's threat to repeal Obamacare and the fact that the next President could change the make up of the Supreme Court were most frightening to me. Forward was the key word, not back to the 50's. The Republican party needs to get in touch with TODAY's reality. They are becoming irrelevant with what is happening in 2012. It was absolutely absurd that in this day and age, we are talking about lady parts in our national dialogue.

November 8, 2012 at 4:52 pm |

Lindi Mack

I think the election mattered more than most because this election required each voter to truly prioritize, categorize and evaluate the fiscal, social, sexual and religious issues that were all raised directly and/or indirectly throughout the course of the election. The issues struck at the very core of how we will define ourselves individually and as a nation going forward… and each candidate represented a different perspective.

November 8, 2012 at 4:52 pm |

BinBin

it matters because everyone is selfish about somethiing from Obama's plan, there is not net gain from Romney's

November 8, 2012 at 4:52 pm |

agni

Shows risk of running for office based on unproven theories like tax cut to rich will benefit economy as if thats true we won't have had a recession to begin with!!!

This is not Anti – Bush. This is for Obama and his policies. Even after his debate performance, people realized its not about how he debates but its about how I want my life and my fellow american's life to be future years.

November 8, 2012 at 4:56 pm |

sarge from Utah

Yes it matters more because of the levels of hatred and bigotry!

November 8, 2012 at 4:57 pm |

David Torres in Miami Florida

Of course this election matters more. It's an announcement to all who will listen and even to those who won't that politicians must see to the needs of the people, the middle class, the working class, the poor. Education, healthcare, immigration...these things matter to all of us and those whose continue to ignore the message, will be voted out of office. The Republican Party needs to change itself radically or it will go the way of the dinosaur. Good Riddance.

November 8, 2012 at 5:00 pm |

Rick in L.A.

Re-electing the President was obviously what the country wanted. Mr. Romney had no qualifications to run the United States government. Did you notice his 'home state' MA. voted decisivley for Obama? Says a lot.
When is Trump starting his March on Washington? This aught to be good. ('cause it'll never happen.)

November 8, 2012 at 5:01 pm |

Jay in NJ

Yes, it was more important. It was an election between those who support unfettered greed, those who would allow moneyd interests to buy the White House and Bible thumpers who deny science and evolution, and between those who want universal health care, excellence in education, and the ability of women to control their own health care and reproductive decisions.

November 8, 2012 at 5:02 pm |

Eric Redman

This election mattered more because of the issues(Affordable care act, wall street regulations, equal pay for woman, planned parenthood, as well as possibly the selection of 3 supreme court judges to name a few) that could either be rolled back or pushed forward, 4 years ago the incoming President didn't have the issues to contend with.

Eric R.
Baltimore, MD

November 8, 2012 at 5:03 pm |

Virginia - Atlanta

I, as a former Independent, who once voted for both parties, found myself terrified that Romney might win. Everytime I heard Romney speak, he said something that was a polar opposite of what he had said a few years or even months before. He allowed misinformtion and even lies about Pres. Obama to continues. I read one report by someone claiming that he knew what was happening becaused he only watched FOX. He wasn't fooled by, CNN, NBC, CBS, ABC, C-SPAN, Public Television, because he didn't watch them. That kind of ignorance seems to be commonplace among the Right Wing. I watch all of the above and occasionally even FOX. FOX, however is eons from reality and will distort legitimate news. I blame them and much of talk radio for the distortions held by many Republicans.
The main thing that scared me, however, was the fact that Romney was chosing the same advisors who worked with Bush to bring us to this place. The Obama administration, for some reason, did not know the extent of our problems, until they dove into the numbers, after he took office. That group that put us, financially in this position got very rich indeed, but could not manage the budget. Remember regardless what anyone says, For the past 50 years, only the Democrats have handled the economy well, the Republicans have always been the ones to put us deeply in debt. Remember the adage to look at what people do, not what they say.

November 8, 2012 at 5:04 pm |

patch vader

Jack- the republlicans and the pacs were reminded that politics is not a trickle down effort. It starts at ground level and grows. Nobody cares what trump, welch, rove or eastwood have to say. In fact, endorsements do not matter. Except, for the work bill Clinton did for the President. Barak owes bill a beer.

November 8, 2012 at 5:05 pm |

Deb in MT

Why does this election matter most? Well, I can tell you why it matters so much to me.

1. SCOTUS: President Obama might very likely appoint 1 or 2 Justices to the Supreme Court. With these more centrist or center-left appointees, we have a better chance of revisiting and overturning that odious Citizens United decision.

2. Wall Street: Wall Street–as evidenced by the unflinching greed of the past few decades–needs regulating, or at least the Street needs a babysitter that is alert. I hope President Obama will double down on watching Wall Street.

3. Environment: Whether it's 'clean coal', green energy development, or global climate change, I much prefer a
President whose political party is friendlier to all that science and math 'stuff' that matters in the reality based world.

4. Economy: President Obama's much maligned stimulus has worked to keep people working, and to create jobs. Besides, President Obama 'gets us', and is determined to ensure that the Middle Class isn't thrown under the bus.

5. Social Security/Medicare/Medicaid: See #4.

6. Obamacare: See #4. Also, I understand just how critically important–as in life or death–it is for people with pre-existing conditions to not be excluded from insurance coverage, or for people to not suddenly be faced with maxing out their coverage mid-treatment. Now, Obamacare gets to stay.

7. Education: President Obama has cut out the middle man in student loans. He will everything he can to ensure universal access to better education & training opportunities for us, which will lead to better employees, more businesses and a stronger economy.

8. Foreign Policy: We're finally respected again. We have a grownup to speak for us, and I don't want to go back to 'shoot from the lip' diplomacy.

9.Defense : President Obama gave the order to get bin Laden, has ended the war in Iraq, and is pulling us out of Afghanistan.

10. Revenge: O.K., Romney tried to get some traction from this word "revenge". It probably wasn't the best word choice, but it resonated with me: one of many reasons I voted to re-elect Barack Obama was to deny Mitch McConnell et al a reward for their constant obstructionism and their determination to make President Obama a one termer. My momma always told me not to give in to my little kids' temper tantrums, so I decided not to give in to McConnell's.

That's why this election mattered so much to me, Jack. Now, go back to crying in your beer: 4 more for 44!!

November 8, 2012 at 5:06 pm |

Concerned from California

I would say this election mattered more than previous elections because we had a chance for hope and change. Hope for a new leader that will create jobs, stop outsourcing to China, and keep taxes low while reducing spending. Obama fulfills none of those qualifications as the previous 4 years has shown. I got out my vote, too bad my fellow Californians saw differently.

November 8, 2012 at 5:08 pm |

RickFromDetroit

The election showed our elected officials that the majority of the people do not support the GOP platform of Tea Baggers, abortion & birth control foes, budget cuts for those who can't afford them, while we give tax cuts to the wealthy, healthcare for the privileged, privatizing SSA & Medicare, and every other right wing rubbish idea that the Republican Party has to offer.

November 8, 2012 at 5:09 pm |

Curtis in Philadelphia

Four years ago Obama, promised change, this year Romney promised drastic change with Ryan's budget as his fiscal map and rape happy GOP senators threatening to dictate women's health issues. The American people, specifically women, are not stupid. Our smart electorate saw the vast difference between the candidates and decided on less change: social security, Medicare and FEMA as we know it and have come to expect it. No one really knew what to expect from Romney for two reasons: his history of overt flip-flopping and his secrecy of big issues like his tax-plan. Crisis averted, God bless the American voter.

November 8, 2012 at 5:09 pm |

gina

Yes – First – truth matters. Facts are important, not make believe. Second – don't mess with women and leave our bodies alone; Third – Israel shut up and stay out of our governmnet processes, and Fourth – you can't buy love (or the election.) .

November 8, 2012 at 5:10 pm |

twiddly in Golden,CO

This was so important because Obama (and not Romney) will select 2 or 3 supreme court justices, and this means Roe v Wade will not get overturned.

November 8, 2012 at 5:11 pm |

Craig Adams

It is important to show the TEA Party that the supposed referendum that they took from the 2010 election is not so credible or true.

November 8, 2012 at 5:12 pm |

Samuel

It matters more than most because people see this as a bell weather election. They believe that it demonstrates which portion of the electorate (although not necessarily which party) will be most influential in determining policy in this nation in the future. Some people are excited because they believe they are part of a new reality in American politics. Others are nervous because they see their traditional influence disappearing.

November 8, 2012 at 5:12 pm |

Lee in Atlanta

This election did matter more than most. For better or worse, Obama's health care program will move forward. He will also get the opportunity to appoint liberal supreme court justices. We will continue to have a White House and Congress that are at odds on major issues. We will see more amnesty programs and more open immigration programs as the political parties compete to weaken immigration laws in exchange for future votes. We may see an assault on the second amendment and possibly the first. We will have 4 more years of a president who has never uttered a word about making the U.S. a great place to do business, invest, or prosper.

However, we also don't have to worry about religious lunacy being enshrined into law. We have a president that will promote science and safeguard the environment. We have a president who is a positive role model for families. We will also have a president who understands the middle class. If we are really lucky, we may even have a president who will work against the outsourcing of American jobs and H1B visa abuse. We will see.

November 8, 2012 at 5:15 pm |

Duke from the Crowbar Saloon, Oregon

Wellll Jacko, pardon me for a moment...... Yahooieeeeee! Yip-Yipeeeeeee!
O.K., given that the self-destructive GOP has not won a presidential race by this wide an Electoral College margin in a very long while, I have no doubt top Republicans are now earnestly looking at the demographics behind Obama's win & shouting "HOLY-TURD-BLOSSOMS, we are in deep trouble!". Yeppers, the GOP is disconnected from the reality of America, the new majority is a coalition of minority groups teamed up with progressive women and men. By 2014, over 60% will support gay marriage rights, women's reproductive rights, Obama's Immigration Reform, Obamacare, Education reform, and so much more. Those in Congress who will not compromise for the good of OUR COUNTRY will be voted out of office in 2014. Neither Rove nor Limbaugh help the Republican Party; and our USA does need a party of intelligent conservatives– bring back Chuck Hagel ! YES ! This is another big change = ON to 2014!

November 8, 2012 at 5:18 pm |

Gabriel in PA

Fear-mongering by Republicans and that one will-not-be-named "news" channel.

November 8, 2012 at 5:19 pm |

Joseph in NC

People have such short attention spans lately that they can't even remember anything else. In this world where people move from topic to topic like they're at a buffet, I don't TRUST them to know what's important anymore. That being said, the absolute hatred of Obama by the Right better disappear quickly, or they will.

November 8, 2012 at 5:20 pm |

Dennis from Millbrae, CA

It made a difference for three reasons: (1) It put the Republican Party at a crossroads where they now need to decide and define who they are and where they are going as a political party, (2) it sends a message to the Tea Party electorate that their best days (which was only 2010) are behind them and they will become less and less relevant as the country continues to diversify and embrace more personal freedoms, and (3) the obscene amount of money, and particularly super PAC money, spent on this election season is going to start a groundswell to reverse the Citizen's United decision by this conservative SCOTUS..

November 8, 2012 at 5:20 pm |

Dolores Surprise AZ

Because it was so important to make sure someone like Romney DIDN'T cet elected and go back to the bush ere

November 8, 2012 at 5:20 pm |

Kevin in CA

It matters more than most because it is about reverting to the economics and business practices of the early 1900's or moving forward into the 21st century. That's it, the country run by 300 families or the survival of the middle class.

November 8, 2012 at 5:21 pm |

fay from philly

This vote was not that important, it can't be or they would have voted this guy out. Dancing with the stars and Monday night football is more important.

November 8, 2012 at 5:21 pm |

Mark J. Cady Jr.

This election mattered as the Radical Rightwing Republicans want to suppress, take us back to the "good ol' days" predating the 11th Amendment and needed to blame someone else for playing Thelma and Louise with our economy. Sorry folks of the RRR, but the voters decided to turn left rather than go over that cliff.

November 8, 2012 at 5:21 pm |

pitchblackwarwolf

Are you serious? JOBS,JOBS,JOBS! Now, if the parties can just agree on something!

November 8, 2012 at 5:22 pm |

gordon Ritchie

This election was most important because the result is pushing us more towards the direction European countries have taken: bad economic policies push us more towards the Greek model – that is BAD.

November 8, 2012 at 5:22 pm |

y syed

I would say because I still remember the eight nightmarish years of George W Bush...and last four years were way calmer and peaceful and going towards the right direction I would' not want to change this for the world

November 8, 2012 at 5:22 pm |

Mikey in TX

Because it came down to the choice of the old fashioned greed and control of Karl Roves Grumpy Old White guys (not my words but Karl said the President suppressed votes) to that of the majority of women, minorities, and other parts of the country that represent the new direction we are headed. It was join the lack of care bunch or the we really do care bunch. I'm glad we care.

November 8, 2012 at 5:22 pm |

John

Incredible that this president conducted himself as if he were soliciting a mandate in a third-world country, with lie after lie and a despicable behavior, and lack of respect not becoming this office. Incredible that mainstream media would look in another direction at all that this selfish president has done, just because they are afraid of the right. Well, you get what you asked for. I just wonder who'll pickup the pieces, but for sure mainstream media will blame everybody else but this president. Just the way you conduct yourselves.

November 8, 2012 at 5:23 pm |

Jerry Jacksonville, Fl.

It was a matter of letting the President continue with his recovery and I'm not sure Romney would have accomplished that. I have finally figured out why Romney lost this race, he failed to wear his Miracle Underwear that all Mormons wear to important events. He must have decided to wear his Hang Ten instead, big mistake. In a way I'm glad if the rest of the world knew our President wore Miracle Underware we would be the laughing stock of the world.

November 8, 2012 at 5:23 pm |

Chris from Philadelphia, PA

Of course it matters more. The party in office when this country fully recovers from the worst recession it has ever faced will get the lion's share of the credit. What's more, if the GOP continues to obstruct, Obama and the Democrats will look even better for having done it DESPITE Republican obstructionism. The GOP gambled everything on making Obama a one-term president and lost big.

November 8, 2012 at 5:23 pm |

Jennifer Gal

I think people were more concerned about this election because the candidates wanted us to be. They each made it sound as though American life as we know it would very soon come to an end if the other were elected. It was anxiety producing. That's why everyone on both sides feels better now that it's over. -Jennifer Gal, Indianapolis, Indiana

November 8, 2012 at 5:23 pm |

Martha Campbell

Because there are two, possibly three Supreme Court Justices that may be retiring in the next four years. We needed Obama to win so that the Supreme Court did not tilt all the way to the right. It would have set us back a generation or more. We need to keep SCOTUS balanced. It surprises me that more people are not aware of this.

November 8, 2012 at 5:23 pm |

tayson1957

There are many reasons but here's one good one. This election could determine whether we get a little more government in our economy and less in our bedrooms or get no government in our economy and big government in our bedrooms.

November 8, 2012 at 5:24 pm |

Martin from Florida

I felt if Romney won this election, two terrible things would happen: The rich would take over this country and our democracy would become a plutocracy; and we would have elected a candidate who was a known serial liar, which is anathema to any kind of ethics. Politicians already lie enough as it is, but when they get caught, that usually ends their career. Not this time...

November 8, 2012 at 5:24 pm |

safecommunitiesofupstatenewyork

Wasn't this the election that told what story of what integrity and fortitude are all about?

November 8, 2012 at 5:25 pm |

who_cares

people voted for obama because they feared being marked racist if they didn't...obama whined the first 4yrs because he doesn't know what to do except give hand outs......things will be the same now...i'm just glad he can't get a 3rd term to sell off america...he's already sent 2 billion dollars to china for solar technology......sad day for america..not because of color, but because we are headed down a road you'll all be wishing we hadn't

November 8, 2012 at 5:26 pm |

Mary

Mary from Toronto
because Jack. Mitt was a high school bully gang style. His son wants to take a swing at the president. But none of the Romney aggression will be wasted serving Americas military. America wants a strong intelligent leader not a spoiled brat.

November 8, 2012 at 5:26 pm |

Lindalona

It was important because of the message republicans were sending with voter suppression and obstructionism, they should be rewarded for such dispicable behavior

November 8, 2012 at 5:27 pm |

Mark, San Diego, CA

This election was so important on several fronts but the crucial reason was that we absolutely could not afford to have Paul Ryan one heartbeat away from the Presidency. Mitt Romney is/was (mostly) moderate but Paul Ryan represented the Tea Party and everything extreme right associated with that. Whatever platforms Mitt chose to stand for were over shadowed by Paul Ryan's potential "other" agenda. When Romney selected Ryan as his running mate, I knew the election was already over.

November 8, 2012 at 5:27 pm |

Steve Kemp from Sacramento, Ca.

In pure unfiltered reality, the people that voted for Obama knew that this election was about encroaching Corporate Fascism.

November 8, 2012 at 5:27 pm |

Amy

It's not just the problems the country/world faces that is causing concerns. It's compounded by the perceived love affair many journalists have with the President that makes so many conservatives worry. Benghazi, Fast & Furious, the failure of the administration not to classify the Fort Hood shooting as terrorism instead referring to it as work place violence, the flexibility with Russia post- election. The list is endless. Things GW Bush would never have gotten a pass on from the media. Optimists were hoping if Romney won, perhaps the media would serve as the 4th check in power instead of being the President's perpetual cheerleader.

November 8, 2012 at 5:28 pm |

Carl

This election is important to me because we have the most perfect first family that I am so immensely proud of. If anything should happen to them I will go berzerk.

November 8, 2012 at 5:28 pm |

Joseph H Johnson

if Romney had won, Obamacare, Roe v Wade, the autonomy of women, marriage equality and the future of the Supreme Court would have been in grave jeopardy. That made this election critical to everyone including the 47%.

November 8, 2012 at 5:29 pm |

PeterD

This Election has proved that America is moving "FORWARD" in right Direction of Becoming a Complete Socialist Country by 2016.

November 8, 2012 at 5:29 pm |

Howard Zlotoff

This election was critical because the next administration will most probably be selecting two or possibly three Supreme Court justices which will have dramatic influence on critical matters of personal freedoms, women's rights, and state vs federal government powers. Congress will be facing the most challenging fiscal issues in generations. And finally, it has sent a message to the Republicans to appreciate the separation of church and state! Don't force tea party platforms on the public! Lets all respect each others personal choices.

November 8, 2012 at 5:30 pm |

India

It was more important to me and many of my Democrat friends for two major reasons:
1) the Republicans seemed to be relentlessly attacking women's rights on several different fronts and
2) we all expect that at least 2 Supreme Court justices will be appointed in the next 4 years.
There were other reasons it was more important. We believed that if Mitt Romney won, the middle class would all but disappear. We feared that what little funding exists for the arts would also be gone. We worried that religion would become an integral part of government (and I am a deeply committed Christian). From now on, most of us will find each election crucially important until we see a return of the Grand OLD Party. We may not have always agreed with them, but at least we respected them.

November 8, 2012 at 5:30 pm |

Susan from Ca

In most cases a vote for Romney meant anyone but Obama. That's worrisome and it mattered a lot. What we ended up with was a man that really wanted best for us all.

November 8, 2012 at 5:31 pm |

suz

This election SHOULD help many people realize that stereotyping parties is not only false but divisive. It is incredibly sad that anyone "left" of far right is considered to not believe in God, a member of a minority group, uneducated, getting some type of assistance, and so on. I am a white,baby boomer female with 2 Masters Degrees, I worked hard sometimes three jobs at a time, and now have a six figure income. I do not mind paying my share of taxes and resent being looked at as a bottom-feeder as implied by anyone. Oh and by the way, who needs enemies, WE are our own worst enemy.

November 8, 2012 at 5:31 pm |

Gary in Dallas

HOPE! yes HOPE!

Better HOPE this pres can get job growth going again, because if he can't (and I believe we are re-entering a recession again), HOPE Yeah! Yeah! is all you are going to have to put a roof over your head and feed your kids.

The really startling statistic is how badly the startup business numbers have been trending down during this presidents's tenure. MOST of those polled who actually did start a business said that the regulations on business are so bad now, that if they had to do it over again, they would not start a business. Essentially, the new-business startup numbers are down something like 90%. During recovery from recession, these number normally go WAY up. No new business, now new jobs. And existing small businesses are starting to plan layoffs due to Obamacare expenses. If you work for a small business and you lose your job soon, and can't find someone hiring, you'll know why.

You get what you vote for.

November 8, 2012 at 5:31 pm |

Linnea

With my daughter and all daughters everywhere in mind... Women's issues and nomination of supreme court justices.

Linnea, Sugar Grove IL

November 8, 2012 at 5:32 pm |

Rev. Michael A. Barnhill

It is a shame just how true that is. I am glad it turned out the way it did. The last wealthy Republican business man we elected was Hoover. He basically just tried to wish it all away. When will people take history seriously. In every
way we had to keep Romney out of the White House.

November 8, 2012 at 5:32 pm |

Gardy Marcel

Jack,
This election matters most to voters because in President Obama's first term in office; he accomplished many endeavors. Now the American people are waiting to see if the divided Congress and the President will work together for the prosperity of the country.

November 8, 2012 at 5:32 pm |

Snoozie

It was more important because the Obama win meant that more than half of the country didn't buy the "illegitimate president" junk spewing from the right. It meant that his first win was not a fluke, and we didn't just get bored with the novelty of a black president, but we acknowledge he did a good job and deserves a second term. It meant we are on board with you and we have your back, Mr. Obama. And, it meant that we reject the ideology of the republican party.

November 8, 2012 at 5:32 pm |

Arturo Q. San Antonio TX

Jack, This election was important because it confirmes what is now a fact for me, politics, as well as business, had changed. The technology finally finished changing the environment – for the moment (evolution and technology evolution will take care of the next iteration).
The use of computers, data phones, tablets, and all those tech gadgets are in charge now, even of the way news are communicated, published, and reported.

November 8, 2012 at 5:33 pm |

Denise Keys

I believe that this election was imperative for most of us because; as a female,african americian 2nd generation military vet and (former) republican, I am offended by the disrepect many of our leaders have shown our president. Terms like"obamacare" smack of rascism. I personally set out to vote against anyone that I felt takes part in this behavoir (republicans)... He is, Mr. President or Mr. Obama, period.

November 8, 2012 at 5:34 pm |

Lynice Tutt

the reasons are because of the important issues you listed before your question Jack!!! It was obvious that the path of President Obama was a stark contrast to that of Romney. My friends that supported Romney did so because they TRULY felt that the President is a Muslin and that the deeds of Mecca will be the path of America if Obama was reelected (if you don't believe this statement, friend me on facebook and see for yourself)!!! Those that actually had some sense about them, felt that Obama's policies are the reasons for the Great Recession...not the policies of the Bush administration. They believe the rhetoric that Castro, Chavez, Putin, and the Iranian president supported the election of Obama!! And those that saw Romney as going backwards seemed to believe that a Romney administration would bring the social culture back to the stigmas of the early 20th century. The larger point...Americans cared!!! Isn't that the point no matter what they believed?

November 8, 2012 at 5:34 pm |

Gary Beaulac griswold ct

Jack
For me it was simple a choice of going back to trickle down economics the same thing that got us into this mess. It dined't work, or forward to a future where all of have a chance for the american dream!!!

November 8, 2012 at 5:34 pm |

Tony (Georgia)

It important because we are in a crucial point in history. The middle east crisis is finally dwindling down which cost us many lives and a whole lot of money. The president has done a lot of work during his tenure in office and I expect more progress. I understand what the campaign kept emphasizing when they were going with the "forward" theme. When the economy was at its worst, the president, rather than many people going unemployed, decided to push a bill forward that reinvested in our infrastructure and put people to work. The republicans accused him of excessive spending and there were many racial undertones in the republican as well as the tea party. I believe the backlash of the republicans against a black president led to a backlash of "minorities" against the foolishness which on the other hand drove the white vote down to 39%. Why didn't people denounce when Mitch Mcconnell made the statement that the republicans would do all they could to make him a "one term president'" Mitt Romney wanted to repeal the affordable healthcare law, increase spending by increasing the size of the military, as well as increase middle class taxes while giving the rich tax cuts. We don't need that.

November 8, 2012 at 5:35 pm |

Elaina Foley

The politics in government drove people to vote. Two directions were proposed and one was agreed upon by the majority to put into action. If politicians take the majority of the people’s vote seriously, looks like the republicans are the ones who need to come to the table prepared to negotiate, especially TEA Party representative and supporters.

November 8, 2012 at 5:35 pm |

Darrell James

I am an Minority. A 33 year old Black male. What I see from my entire circle and what made them all go to the Polls was President Obama Identified with us. We minorities can look at him and see ourselves. We love basketball, so does he. We love hip hop and so does he. He has referenced Ludacris name before. We see him hanging out with Jay-Z and Beyonce. He has mentioned Lil' Wayne in a speech before. He thinks Kanye West was an asshole for what he did to Taylor Swift and we all thought so also. Difference was, President Obama had the voice to actually SAY it and we didn't. He is our voice in Washington. Never before in History have we totally had a say so in Washington until now. All us minorities wish we could ease the pain for elderly people and we do what we can, but now we got someone in Washington that feels like we do and won't allow the elderly or disadvantaged to be taken advantage of. Mitt Romney, a 65-70 year old White Man that's worth $250 Million dollars can't tell us he understand. Therefore, he never had a chance

November 8, 2012 at 5:35 pm |

Ima Rose

A very important election. The best guy won. A good husband, father, president, and all around good guy.
The other guy kept his money off shore, kept his plans secret and wouldn't tell us until after elected what he was going to do. I am a woman and like having my right to do whatever I want with my body and not be told what to do.

November 8, 2012 at 5:35 pm |

Deb from Skippack, PA

This was a crucial win for the middle class.We are fighting the big money for our survival. The republicans mask themselves as god fearing people but really are only pawns in the rich man's game.

November 8, 2012 at 5:37 pm |

gerry luimes Edmionton,Canada

Let's be honest; Democrats are no better than the GOP.,or the other way around. The GOP(which is suddenly not so "grand" anymore) ,simply lost because it has been hijacked by the yahoos of the TEA party,whih in turn,now is fast becoming irrelevant. The outcome for Obama has been just,for this man has been scorned and called everything awful for some years.(Think GOP arrogance and racial hatred.)From where I sit I feel rather confident that common sense will eventually prevail,and we will see the parties-perhaps reluctantly- ome to an agreement with a policy that yet may save this tremendously important country.

November 8, 2012 at 5:38 pm |

Arlene Gordon

The reason this election was more important than the last few elections is something that most people don't even recognize...the selection of a couple of Supreme Court Justices when a couple of the elderly judges resign. It is monumentally important to keep a balanced court. The decisions that the Supreme Court makes last for a generation or more. Politics has infiltrated the court recently (Gore v Bush) and we need to have a non-partison court for the sake of all Americans.

November 8, 2012 at 5:38 pm |

James T. Kirk

I believe this was the most important election in the history of the confederacy! Our leader, Mitt Romney, swept the confederate vote across the nation! Governor Romney has shown us the true way to salvation. I can't wait for the world to turn into an apocalyptic wasteland – I'll have my own planet, be the god of that planet, and have a plethora of wives to populate my planet.

If this election has shown us anything – it's that people, like myself, will vote for insane people pushing insane agenda's. I love the confederacy, because it allows me to continue voting for heroes of the land such as Governor Romney.

That's why this is the most important election – until 2016, when the next equally as insane as Romney individual runs for office.

November 8, 2012 at 5:39 pm |

Elaina Foley

Both parties need to work with the Presidents lead if they care about this country. Quit making false accusations about a fellow American and our President about his birth and loyalty.

November 8, 2012 at 5:40 pm |

Gary

Come back in 2 years to know the correct answer to your question.

November 8, 2012 at 5:41 pm |

Jordanna

This election was about not allowing the US to revert back to old domestic and foreign policies...
Big Bird is safe, and the binders full of women can be filed away... there's a more constructive voice in Washington

November 8, 2012 at 5:44 pm |

Claudia, Houston, Tx

Americans want change and we want change we can believe in and that's why this election mattered so much.

November 8, 2012 at 5:44 pm |

Bill Zapata

The 24/7 news and internet era keeps voters more informed. You are able to follow the issues like watching a daily soap opera. The result is a more informed electorate. The stimulus checks and medical insurance issues hit closer to home; as well as the recent surge in mortgage refinancing that brought more cash flow to family budgets. The immigration discussion caught the attention of the Latino vote. The candidates position on these close to home issues were important wake up calls to go out and vote.

November 8, 2012 at 5:45 pm |

Charles from NC

I think this election mattered most because of socialism, morals, and how we treat Israel. The government taking over the biggest industry in the world (healthcare)...our freedom concerning health insurance, and other matters are being compromised and is unconstitutional. Our freedom of religion and speech is being taken away. The morals of this country are deteriorating at a high rate of speed. And, we are weakening as a nation militarily and economically. All these factors will only bring destruction and we are headed that way. It is obvious that half the voters in the nation want a totally different, "modern" should I say, and government controlled America. There is coming a great awakening...and many are going to wish they had made different choices in their life here on earth.

November 8, 2012 at 5:48 pm |

Fred Griswold

There is a way in which this election really does matter more than most. A number of leftist candidates and causes were successful this time around. It started with the election of Obama four years ago, and the results on Tuesday, from the relaxation of pot laws to the re-election of Obama himself, are a confirmation. The Republicans, for their part, spent all their time on voter suppression and forgot about getting out their own vote. I think the Foxnews propaganda machine is finally running out of gas, and the pendulum is swinging back over to the left in this country.

Fred Griswold
San Mateo, CA

November 8, 2012 at 5:50 pm |

Garran

It is one of the most important for a lot of reasons, neither one of candidates had a full proof economic plan and I know that it was a Republican that got us in this mess. For me the main reason was Social; our founding fathers created our nation freedom of religion and the Separation of Church and State, for me Freedom of religion also means freedom from religion. The Republican Party has for years, been trying to inject Religion into politics and force there Religious moral values on everyone. I believe that if you don’t want Gays to marry then don’t marry a Gay person, but don’t tell a tax paying American who they can and Can’t Marry. I for one am not going to tie a rape victim to that rapist and that tragic crime for the rest of her life.

November 8, 2012 at 5:50 pm |

Jeff from Seattle

Fear. On both sides. In my lifetime, I have never witnessed the right and the left so fearful of what the other will do.

November 8, 2012 at 5:50 pm |

Bobby

Jack,

In 1992, we gave you Bill Clinton – they assigned a Special Prosecutor. In 2000, we gave you Al Gore – they stole the election. In 2004, we gave you John Kerry – they "Swift Boated" him. With nowhere else to go, we decided to pissed you off and introduced a highly intelligent Black Man and equally smart White Woman (we knew one would get through & both very smart and intelligent). We figured one would get through. Once in office, they disrespected the President, the office of the President, the voters who elected him, alone with blocking any initiatives to create jobs and move the country forward. President Obama has worked his ass off for us! The least we could do was to fight for him. No matter how hard they tried to suppress us!

About this Blog:

Jack Cafferty sounds off hourly on the Situation Room on the stories crossing his radar. Now, you can check in with Jack online to see what he's thinking and weigh in with your own comments online and on TV.